In a recent meeting of the Wildfire Safety Advisory Board, held on June 4, 2025, significant strides were discussed regarding wildfire risk management and safety culture assessments in California. As the state grapples with the ongoing threat of wildfires, the meeting underscored the importance of proactive measures and collaborative efforts among energy corporations.

One of the key topics was the development of an "approaches document," previously referred to as the best practices document. This initiative aims to provide a comprehensive framework for electrical corporations to model their wildfire risk effectively. The discussions surrounding this document will be informed by the outcomes of the risk model working group meetings scheduled throughout 2025. A summary report from the 2023 meetings is expected to be published soon, providing insights into the evolving strategies for wildfire risk assessment.

The board also reviewed the progress of the 2024 safety culture assessments, noting that data collection is complete and a draft analysis is currently under review. The publication of these reports is anticipated by late third quarter of this year, with plans for the next round of assessments to commence in the fourth quarter. This ongoing evaluation is crucial for fostering a culture of safety within energy companies, particularly in the context of wildfire preparedness.

Additionally, the meeting touched on executive compensation structures, with guidelines adopted earlier this year. The board received compensation structures from several major energy companies, with decisions for 2025 expected to be finalized soon. This aspect of the meeting highlights the intersection of corporate governance and safety accountability in the energy sector.

As the meeting concluded, board members expressed a desire for updates on safety certification filings, emphasizing the need for transparency and timely information in the face of wildfire risks. The discussions reflect a commitment to enhancing safety protocols and ensuring that energy companies are held accountable for their role in wildfire prevention.

With the summer months approaching, the outcomes of these initiatives will be closely watched, as California continues to prioritize wildfire safety and resilience in its energy infrastructure.